Italian Eatery Celebrates 25 Years in Douglaston

In a little nook just off the Douglaston Long Island Rail Road train stop, you'll find Il Toscano, an old country-styled Italian eatery that is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

"We must be doing something right," said Il Toscano owner Mauro Privilegi. "We're a family– run business that was started by my mother, who everyone affectionately called 'Nonna.' She unfortunately passed away last year at the wonderful age of 97."

The restaurant has four different themed dining rooms spread across two floors, including the Wine Room and the Sky Room.

"The different rooms allow us to host private parties and we also have a Sidewalk Café when the weather is nice," said Arturo Guncay, the restaurant's head waiter for the past 18 years.

The menu includes a variety of foods from all over the world, from steak to spring rolls as well as various daily specials. But the bread and butter of the restaurant is the lobster and the home made pastas.

"The lobster at Il Toscano is great," said Sous–Chef Nick Molfetta. "We get our lobsters from Maine and Canada and cook them with garlic, lemon and white wine. We get all of our produce and fish fresh from markets in Brooklyn."

None of the items on Il Toscano's menu cost more than $30 dollars. On Sundays, the eatery offers a family dinner during which adults pay $38.95 and children eat for $17.95. The dinner includes an appetizer, entree and dessert.

 Il Toscano is open Tuesdays–Sundays from 5–11 and is closed on Mondays.

Bay Terrace resident Kathleen McCarthy said she frequently eats at the villa-style Italian restaurant. 

"I've been coming here for years," she said.  "I know it sounds cliché, but there's a great atmosphere here to go with some amazing food."

Il Toscano is located at 42-05 235th St. in Douglaston.